No Monkey Trial in History

While reading another blog about movies I came across a reference to the movie 'Inherit The Wind.' Most of the folks in the comments section of the blog loved the film for all the various reasons: a portrait in courage, a gripping story of faith vs. science, etc., etc. I felt it my duty to step in let them know that movie, while well done and well acted, is total bunk.

The trial was arranged by the city fathers to get some publicity for their town. Both Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan knew this was a show trial, but went along so as to have a podium from which to speak their views.

In fact, the teacher was approached by the town leaders and assured that he wouldn't face any serious fines or jail time, and coordinated his presentation of evolution with the city fathers.

So, the actual event was a good show, but had none of the seriousness or urgency alleged in the movie. It's good entertainment, but total false as far as a piece of history regarding and the tensions of faith vs. the theory of evolutionary in the United States.

See: http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/scopes/evolut.htm

"A year later, the Tennessee Supreme Court reversed the decision of the Dayton court on a technicality--not the constitutional grounds as Darrow had hoped. According to the court, the fine should have been set by the jury, not Raulston. Rather than send the case back for further action, however, the Tennessee Supreme Court dismissed the case. The court commented, "Nothing is to be gained by prolonging the life of this bizarre case."